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Changes to Watering Restrictions Take Effect on May 1

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is implementing changes to its watering bylaw to reduce consumption and make it easier for residents to comply with annual water restrictions. The changes include an adjustment to the lawn watering days allowed under Stage 1 restrictions, along with changing the watering times in Stage 1 and Stage 3.

“We received a lot of feedback from residents who found the transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 to be problematic, especially for those with automated watering systems,” said Mike Herschmiller, Manager of Water Services for the CVRD. “The changes include small updates to both watering days and times that will make the rules more consistent as we move through the water restriction stages each year.”

Under the new changes, Stage 1 will take effect every year on May 1st and watering days will be set to certain days of the week. Watering days will be consistent between Stage 1 and Stage 2 with Stage 2 having one less watering day per household each week. The change means those with automated sprinklers can set their watering system at the beginning of the season and just adjust the watering times as restrictions move from Stage 1 to Stage 2. The morning watering time in Stage 1 has also been adjusted in an effort to reduce water use during periods of high consumption.

Affected communities include: City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, the Comox Valley water local service area, Sandwick water system and Arden, Marsden/Camco, Greaves Crescent, and England Road water local service areas.

Residents are encouraged to watch their local newspaper for a removable watering schedule that will be available over three editions of the paper beginning on April 19. The calendar can also be downloaded at www.comoxvalleyrd.com/restrictions.

“We know it might take some time for residents to get used to the new system, but we’re hopeful these small changes will make it easier for everyone to adjust as we move from Stage 1 to Stage 2, and to Stages 3 and 4, should they be needed,” said Herschmiller.